Chain



Aug. 28, 1934. F|$K 1,971,553

CHAIN Filed Aug. 29, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Aug. 28, 1934. G, 5 1,971,553

CHAIN Filed Aug. 29, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 HI 4 i amll y m a.

@iiiill? 3g 3.5

6 7 jm/erzza/ Q r E y 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 WIW G. FISK CHAIN Filed Aug. 29, 1930 Aug. 28, 1934.

I w 0 .0 a p, Q, L W.

Aug. 28, 1934. ls 1,971,553

CHAIN Filed Aug. 29, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 I a .5 5 W /5; 70

.35 v k ////7/////1//////// mmw Patented Aug. 28, 1934 1,971,553 cum George Fisk, Harvey, 111., assignor to Link-Belt Company, a corporation of Illinois Application August 29, 1930, Serial No. 478,618

26 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved chain structure which is adaptable to a variety of uses, but which, owing to certain important characteristics, is particularly adapted for use in conveyors of various kinds. Accordingly, the improved chain is herein illustrated as applied to an apron feeder or conveyor, but it is to be understood that it is applicable to other types of conveyors and also to many other uses.

Conveyors-oi the type shown usually consist of one or more endless chains on which are secured a plurality of pans designed to receive and transport loads of various kinds. The chains and associated pans are trained over a pair of spaced sprockets, thus forming an upper or carrying run, and a lower or return run. It is essential that some means be provided to prevent the carrying run of the chain from sagging or deflecting below a horizontal line and this has heretofore been commonly cared for by providlng rollers at the articulation points of the chain and continuous tracksfor the rollers. However, such constructions have not been satisfactory, due to the high initial cost, and difficulty and expense of effecting proper lubrication of the many rollers, and the rapid wear of the rollers and their bearing surfaces. Consequently, much effort has been directed toward the development of a satisfactory chain or conveyor in which this undesirable sagging or diflection may be overcome without employing the costly and troublesome rollers as Just described. The present invention is concerned with the provision ofsuch a chain.

The primary object'oi' the invention is to provide an improved chain construction for general use.

It is alsoan object of the invention to provide an improved conveyor chain.

Other objects of the invention and the many advantages thereof will appear in the following description of the particular forms chosen for illustration.

Referring to the drawings,

Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a conveyor embodying the improved chain.

Figure 2 is a view in longitudinal section thru a portion of the conveyor, illustrating the assembly of conveyor pans on the improved chain.

Figure 3 is a bottom plan view of a section of the improved chain.

Figure 4 is atop plan view of one of the links.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of half of an adjacent link.

Figure 6 is a plan view of a bolt and retaining washers for securing the links in assembled relation.

Figure 7 is a top plan view of a pin for pivotally connecting adjacent links.

Figure 8 is a view in end elevation, of the pin 50 shown in Figure '1.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 are sectional views taken along lines 9-9, 10--10 and 1111 respectively, of Figure 2.

Figure 12 is a sectional view taken on 12--12 of Figure 3.

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line 1313 of Figure 14, illustrating a modifled chain construction embodying the invention.

Figure 14 is a bottom plan view, partly in section, of the chain shown in Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a detail view of certain parts shown in Figure 14.

Figure 15a is a view in side elevation, of one of the parts of Figure 15.

Figure 16 is a bottom plan view, with parts in section, illustrating a second modification of the invention.

Figure 17 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in section, of the structure shown in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a sectional view taken on line 1818 of Figure 1'7. I

Figure 19 is a detail view of one of the features of the second modified construction.

Figure 20 is a bottom plan view, partly in section, of a third modification of the invention.

Figure 21 is a view in side-elevation, with parts in section, of the structure shown in Figure 20.

Figure 22 is a sectional view on line 2222 of 9 Figure 21.

Figure 23 is a detail view of parts shown in Figure 20.

Figure 24 is a bottom plan view, partly in section, illustrating a fourth modification of the invention.

Figure 25 is a view partly in side elevation and partly in section, of the structure shown in Figure 24.

Figure '26 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 2626 of Figure 25.

Figure 27 is a detail view of the sectional pin employed in the structure of Figures 24, 25 and 26.

Figures 28 and 29 are views in vertical section taken along lines 28-28 and 2929, respective- 1y, of Figure 25.

Figure 30 is a plan view, with parts in section, illustrating a fifth modification of the invention.

Figure 31 is a view in side elevation, with parts in section, of the structure shown in Figure 30.

line Figure 32 is a sectional view taken along line 3232 of Figure 31.

Figure 33 is a detail view of the pin employed in the structure of Figures 30, 31 and 32.

Figure 34 is a view in side elevation and partly in section, illustrating a modification of the structure shown in Figure 30.

Figure 35 is a sectional view taken along line 35-35 of Figure 34.

Figure 36 is a detail view of the pin employed in Figure 34.

According to the principles of this invention, the looking or sag preventing means is embodied in the pivotal connections between the cooperating ends of adjacent links and is arranged to function dependably and entirely unaffected by wear of Y the pivotal connections and consequent elongation of the chain. The invention may be embodied in a variety of structural forms, several of which are herein shown and described. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not restricted to the particular forms selected for illustration herein, but extends to all forms which may be fairly construed to embody the principles thereof.

A typical application of the invention is shown in Figure 1 of the drawings. This structure is known as an apron feeder, and consists of a frame A, sprockets B, endless chains C carrying pans E, and chain supporting rolls F.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 12 inclusive, and as therein shown, the chain consists of alternately arranged one and two part links. Each single piece link 1, as seen in Figures 2, 3 and 4, is in the form of an elongated loop with substantially flat upper and lower surfaces and a centrally disposed strengthening rib 2 connecting the upper and lower portions of the loop. The upper side of each link 1 has formed thereon a laterally extending flange 3 designed to support a pan or other form of conveying means. The strengthem ing ribs 2 are extended laterally in opposite directions to provide support for the oppositely extending portions of flanges 3. The two piece links 4 consist of two similar parts, each of which is in the form of an elongated loop, with a centrally disposed strengthening rib 5 extending between the upper and lower portions thereof. Each of the parts of links 4 is formed with a laterally extending flange 6 substantially flush with the upper surface thereof, designed to support a pan or the like, and each rib 5 is extended laterally to provide additional support for its associated flange.

In the assembled chain, each one piece link 1 is arranged with its opposite loop ends interposed between the loop ends of the adjacent two piece links. The special means employed for pivotally connecting the overlapping loop ends of adjacent links is best illustrated in Figures 6 to 12 inclusive. Referring particularly to Figures 7 and 8, there is shown in top plan and end elevation, respectively, a link connecting member which will be referred to hereinafter as the pin. From these figures it will be observed that the pin is in the general form of a cylindrical bushing, with spaced lugs 7 extending laterally therefrom on one side, and a third centrally positioned lug 8 extending laterally therefrom on the opposite side. It will also be noted that there is a cylindrical bearing portion 9 on the pin between spaced lugs 7, which occupies approximately 2'70 degrees of the circumference of the pin. This bearing portion is designed for engagement with the inner surface 10 of the loop end of link 1, as clearly shown in Figure 11, and when so positioned, lug 8 is adapted to engage the lower inside flat surface of the link. On each side of lug 8 are additional surfaces 12, lying in opposition to lugs 7, and occupying approximately 180 degrees of the circumference of the pin. These surfaces are designed for engagement with the inner surfaces of the loop ends of the respective parts of the two part links 4, as indicated at 13 in Figure 11, and when so positioned, lugs 7 engage both the upper and lower inside flat surfaces of eachside member of links 4, as indicated at 14 in Figure 10, thus effectively locking the pin against pivotal movement with respect to link 4. It will be understood, therefore, that there is no relative movement of surfaces 12 and the cooperating surfaces in links 4.

Referring to Figures 11 and 12', it will be noted that link 1 has quite a large bearing area on the pin and that it is capable of pivotal movement about the axis of the pin. This movement, howe er, is limited by reason of the engagement of lug 8 with the lower inside surface of link 1. The parts are so proportioned and designed that this engagement occurs when links 1 and 4 are in substantial alignment, thus preventing sagging or deflection from a straight line.

The links and pin are held in assembled relation by a bolt 15 passing thru an axial bore 16 in the pin and carrying retaining washers 17 which engage opposite ends of the pin and the lateral faces of the respective parts of link 4. A nut 18 on the bolt serves to draw the parts together. The washers 17 are locked against rotation by engagement of lugs 19 thereon with slots 20 formed in lugs 7 intermediate the upper and lower faces thereof.

One of the important features of this invention is its easy adaptability to various conditions. 1.15

For example, if it is desired to prevent deflection of the chain in an upward direction, instead of in a downward direction as shown, it is merely necessary to invert the pins so that lugs 8 engage the upper inside surfaces of links 1, thus permitting links 1 to move upwardly with respect to links 4, but preventing downward movement thereof beyond aligned position.

In disassembling the chain above described,

the usual procedure is to removeb-olts 15 and washers 1'7, then remove links 4 laterally, after "which the pin may be pushed back far enough to permit it to be slipped out laterally thru the opening in link 1. Assembly is effected in the reverse manner. V

A very effective modification of the invention is illustrated in Figures 13, 14 and 15. As here shown, the one piece links'21 and the two piece links 22 are of the same generaldesign as links 1 and 4 of the preferred form except that the .body portions of links 21 and 22 are of solid I beam section instead of being open. The opposite ends of links 21 are provided with slightly elongated transverse openings 23, the outer ends of which are of semi-cylindrical form. Each side member of links 22 has formed'integral therewith at opposite ends, one half of a pin 24 and also one half of a lug 25. Thus, a pair of side members 22, when assembled, cooperate to form a pin having a bearing surface for engagement with the semi-cylindrical surface in the end of a link 21. Each link 21 hasbearing engagement with such a pin 24 and is adapted to have limited pivotal movement with respect thereto. The limit to this movement is 'provided' by lug 25 which engages the lower flat surface of the opening 23.

The modified construction Just described functions in substantially the same manner as the preferred construction, in that it effectively pre-- -B vents deflection of the chain in one direction from a straight line. The particular advantage of this modified construction is that it permits of greater strength in the individual links. Since pin 24 is integral with the side members of the two part link 22, additional lugs corresponding to lugs 7 of the preferred form are not required and hence the construction does not involve overlapping link openings with interlocking pin and lugs, as in the form just described. I Disassembly merely re- L 3, quires the removal of the bolt 26, following which the link members 22 with their attached half pins and lugs may be directly withdrawn laterally;

Figures 16 to 19 inclusive illustrate a second o modification which, in general, is substantially a reversal of the construction last above described. Here also, the bodies of the links are of solid I beam section, but the pin 28 and lugs 29 are formed integral with one piece links 30, while the cooperating openings 31 are formed in the ends of the side members of two piece links 32. Also, in this form the pin 28-and lugs 29 are of one piece construction as distinguished from the two part construction of the preceding form. Disassembly of this form is effected by removal of bolts 33 and washers 34, following which the side members may be moved laterally from the pin.

A third modification is shown in Figures to 23 inclusive, wherein all links are of the same Econstruction and in which the construction is completely embodied in the links themselves, ex-

cept for a single securing bolt at each articulation point. In this form, each link consists of a pair of curved side members 35 and 36, one pair of ends of which converge until they meet, while the other ends diverge to form an opening for reception of the meeting ends of the next adjacent link. As shown in Figure 20, each spaced end has formed integral therewith a half pin 37 and half lug 38, in a manner quite similar to that hereinabove described in connection with Figure 14. The meeting ends of the next adjacent link have openings 39 providing bearing surfaces for engagement with\half pins 37, and also fiat bottom surfaces for cooperation with half lugs 38. A

bolt 40 at each joint is all that is required to maintain the assembly.

The fourth modification shown in Figures 24 to' 29 inclusive, reverts back to the general form 455? of chain shown in Figures 1 to 12. The principal feature of this fourth form is that the pin 41 is of two part construction, each part carrying one of the locking lugs 42 for cooperation with the openings 43 formed in the ends of the two 59, part links 44, and also one half of the limiting lug 45 which cooperates with the opening 46 formed in the ends of the one piece links 47. This two part construction permits of direct lateral removal of the pin following removal of bolt 48 and washers 49. Thus, assembly and disassembly is greatly simplified, and since it is not necessary to have the openings in the ends of the links substantially elongated, these may be made of solid I beam section as shown in Figures 28 and 29.

In Figures 30 to 33 inclusive there is shown a fifth modification of the invention. In this form, the chain may consist of a series of one piece links, as indicated at 50 and 51. The general form of these links is of conventional design, each con- 25: sisting of a single and a bifurcated end and adapted to be arranged with the single end on one link disposed in the bifurcated end-of an adjacent link. Openings 52 of similar size ,and shape are broached or otherwise formed in the ends of the links. These openings are substantially elongated lengthwise of the links and the ends thereof are of arcuate form as indicated at 53 and 54 respectively, both arcs being struck from the same center as indicated at 55. When the links are arranged in normal overlapping relation, the openings 52 are in transverse alignment and the links are connected in this relation by the specially designed pin 56. It will be noted that this pin is provided at opposite ends with heads 5'7 which closely conform to the contour of the elongated openings 52. Between the heads, the pin is of a modified oval cross section, as clearly shown at 58, in Figure 31. The assembly of the pin and links is maintained by rivets 59, or equivalent means.

It will be understood, of course, that the pin 56 is locked with respect to the bifurcated portions of links 51 by the heads 5'? which closely fit the openings 52 therein. However, the center section of the pin does not occupy the entire opening 52 in the single end of the adjacent link 50 and for this reason, link 50 is permitted a limited pivotal movement upon and with respect to the pin. The arcuate surface 53 of link 50 has hearing engagement with the substantially semi-cylindrical portion 60 of the pin, while the arcuate surface 54 provides a bearing for the rounded tip 61 of the pin. It should be apparent that the links of a chain constructed in accordance with this design are permitted relative pivotal movement in one direction only from aligned position. Obviously, the same results could be obtained by forming the pin with a single centrally disposed locking head for cooperation with the opening in the single end of link 50, instead of with the two locking heads, as shown.

According to a sixth modification shown in Figures 34 to 36 inclusive, the pin 62 is of uniform cross section throughout its length, and this section is preferably substantially the same as that of the center section of the pin in the form above described. The openings 63 in the bifurcated ends 64 are formed to closely fit the ends of the pin, while the single ends 65 are provided with enlarged openings 66 substantially the same as openings 52 described above. Thus, the pin is locked with respect to the bifurcated ends 64, and the single ends 65 are permitted a limited pivotal movement in one direction only from normal position. Of course, the pin could be locked to the single ends 65 and free with respect to bifurcated ends 64 if desired.

In all forms of the invention the lower or bottom surfaces of adjacent links cooperate to form a continuous smooth track whereon the chain may receive support, as by means of rolls F shown in Figure 1. Thus, the links themselves constitute a traveling track which replaces the usual continuous stationary track, while the few large frame supported rolls F serve the purpose of the many small rollers at the articulation points of the old type of chain. While this feature is of particular utility as applied to conveyors, it may also be of importance in other uses of the chain.

It is also noted that in all forms wherein the pins are not integral with the links, deflection of the chain in either or both directions may be avoided by appropriate positioning of the pins. In the forms wherein the pins are integral with the links, the same results can be attained by merely of the links, such variations are not possible in the particular application shown.

The invention may be applied to any type of conveyor and also to many uses outside of the conveyor field. For example, the pans shown in the drawings may be replaced by buckets, flights, or any other type of conveying means. Also, the improved chain may be applied to many other uses, such for example, as drives for water screens. It will be understood therefore that the invention is not restricted to the particular structures shown, but extends to all modifications and uses thereof, within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A pair of chain links, means connecting adjacent ends of said links, said means being restrained against rotary movement with respect to one of said links and having a part engageable with the other said link to limit pivotal movement thereof in one direction only.

2. A chain unit comprising a pair of links, the ends whereof are provided with substantially U shape openings, adjacentends of said links being arranged in overlapping relation with the openings thereof in substantial alignment, a member extending thru said openings for pivotally connecting said links, said member being non-rotatively secured with respect to one of said links and having means engageable with the other said link for limiting pivotal movement thereof.

3. A chain unit substantially as set forth in claim 2 further characterized in that said member is secured against rotation with respect to one of said links by means of a lug engaging the upper and lower walls of said U shape opening.

4. A chain substantially as set forth in claim 2, further characterized in that the engagement between said means and said other link occurs in a plane parallel to the plane containing the pivotal axes of the link.

5. A chain comprising alternate one part and two part links, each one part link and the parts of each two part link being of substantially elongated loop form, with the ends of each one part link disposed between the ends of the parts of the adjacent two part links, a member pivotally connecting the overlapping ends of said links, said member embodying means for limiting said pivotal movement in one direction only from aligned position.

6. A chain substantially as set forth in claim 5, further characterized in that said member is held against rotative movement with respect to the parts of the two part link and embodies means engageable with said one part link in a plane parallel to the plane containing the pivotal axes, for limiting pivotal movement in one direction only from aligned position.

7. A chain substantially as set forth in claim 5, further characterized in that the ends of the parts of said two part links and the ends of said one part links are provided with substantially U shape openings, and each said member embodies lugs engaging the upper and lower surfaces of the openings in said two part links, and an additional lug adapted to engage the lower surfaces of the openings in said one part links.

8. A chain comprising a plurality of links, a member integral with one of said links positioned in an opening in the end of an adjacent link for pivotally connecting said links, and said member embodying means cooperating with a wall of said opening to limit the pivotal movement of said links. 9. A chain comprising a pair of links having apertured ends arranged in overlapping relation, a pin extending through said apertured ends for connecting said links, said pin being of non-circular section and the aperture in one of said links conforming to the contour of the pin, thus preventing relative rotation of the pin and said link, and the aperture in the other said link being larger than said pin to permit limited pivotal movement of said link with respect to said pin.

10. A chain comprising alternate one and two part links, a pin extending through apertures in adjacent ends of said links, the contour of the aperture in one of said links and of the portion of the pin which cooperates therewith being such as to prevent relative rotation of said pin and link, and the contour of the aperture in the other said link and of the cooperating portion of the pin being such that relative rotation is limited to a single direction from aligned position.

11. A chain unit comprising a pair of links, the ends whereof are provided with openings, adjacent ends of said links being engaged in overlapping relation with the openings thereof in substantial alignment, a member extending thru said openings for pivotally connecting said links, said member being non-rotatively secured with respect to one of said links and havings means engageable with the other said link for limiting pivotal movement thereof to a single direction from aligned position.

12. A chain substantially as set forth in claim 11, further characterized in that the engagement between said means and said other link occurs in a plane parallel to the plane containing the pivotal axes of the link.

13. A chain comprising a pair of links having apertured ends arranged in overlapping relation, a pin extending through said apertured ends for pivotally connecting said links, said pin having a non-rotative fit in the aperture of one of said links and a rotative fit in the aperture of the other said link, and'cooperating surfaces on said pin and the last mentioned link for limiting relative pivotal movement of said links to a single direction from aligned position.

14. A chain substantially as set forth in claim 13, further characterized in that the pin is of substantially uniform contour throughout its length.

15. A pair of chain links, means for connecting the ends of said links and for permitting relative pivotal movement thereof in one direction only from aligned position, said connecting means being formed in two parts by being divided on a plane transverse to the pivot axis of the links, and means for holding said links and the said first means assembled.

16. A chain comprising a plurality of links, a member connecting adjacent ends of a pair of said links and embodying means engageable with said links to limit relative pivotal movement thereof to a single direction only from normal position, said member being capable of being arranged to permit relative pivotal movement of said links either in one or the opposite direction from said normal position.

1'7. A chain comprising alternate one part and two part links, means connecting adjacent ends of said links, said means being restrained against rotary movementwith respect to one of said links and having a radially outwardly extending projection engageable with a portion of the other link to limit pivotal movement thereof to one direction only from normal position.

18. A chain comprising alternate one part and two part links with an apertured end of the one part link interposed between adjacent apertured ends of the two part link, a pivot pin device arranged within the apertures of all of said link parts and having means engageable with the same to limit pivotal movement between the links to one direction only from normal position.

19. A chain substantially as set forth in claim 18 further characterized in that said pivot pin device is split transversely into two parts with each part having engagement with both of the links 20. A chain substantially as set forth in claim 18 further characterized in that the pivotal movement limiting means of said pivot pin device comprises oppositely extending projections engageable with the said links.

21. In a conveyor structure including a link conveyor chain trained over spaced sprockets to produce an upper carrying run and a lower return run with conveying pans mounted on the respective links of the chain, the improvement which comprises the conveyor chain being formed of alternate one part and two part links with an apertured end of the one part link interposed between adjacent apertured ends of the two part link, a pivot pin device arranged within the apertures of all of said link parts, said pivot pin device including curved bearing surfaces and lateral projections contacting with walls of said apertures, the lateral projections being constructed and arranged to limit pivotal movement between the links to one direction only from normal position.

22. A chain comprising a plurality of one-piece links each having a single end and a bifurcated end, the single and bifurcated ends of adjacent links being arranged in overlapping relation, means for pivotally connecting the overlapping ends of adjacent links, said means being held against pivoting with respect to one of said links and having a portion engageable with the other of said links to limit relative pivotal movement therebetween to one direction only from normal position.

23. A chain comprising a plurality of one-piece links each having a single end and a bifurcated end, the single and bifurcated ends of adjacent links being arranged in overlapping relation and being provided with substantially aligned apertures, and a pivot pin arranged in said aligned apertures and having non-pivotal engagement with one of said links and engagement with the other link which will permit pivotal movement in one direction only from normal position.

24. A chain comprising a plurality of one-piece links each having a single end and a bifurcated end, the single and bifurcated ends of adjacent links being arranged in overlapping relation and being provided with substantially aligned, noncircular apertures, and a pivot pin arranged in said aligned apertures and being shaped to have non-pivotal engagement with one of said links and to have engagement with the other link which will permit pivotal movement in one direction only from normal position.

25. A chain comprising a plurality of one-piece links each having a single end and a bifurcated end, the single and bifurcated ends of adjacent links being arranged in overlapping relation and being provided with substantially aligned apertures with the apertures of the adjacent links being of two different shapes, and a pivot pin arranged in said aligned apertures and being shaped to non-pivotally fit one of said two differently shaped apertures and to loosely fit the other of said apertures to permit relative pivotal movement in one direction only from normal position.

26. A chain comprising a pair of links having overlapping ends provided with dissimilarly shaped aligned apertures, ancl, a pivot pin extending through said aligned apertures, said pin being shaped to non-pivotally fit the aperture of one of said links and to loosely fit the aperture of the other link so as to permit relative pivotal movement in one direction only from normal.

GEORGE FISK. 

